Creating an indoor herb garden is a fun way to combine fresh flavors with a touch of greenery in your home. From clever space-saving solutions to eye-catching displays, there are so many ways to get creative.
But how do you set up a herb garden that’s both stylish and practical – and what makes it thrive indoors?
Let’s explore some inspiring ideas to grow herbs indoors and make them a beautiful part of your space.
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Quick Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors 💚
⭐ Want some? This indoor herb growing kit is perfect for getting started.
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Most herbs prefer consistent moisture but don’t like soggy soil.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix – I personally use this mix for my herbs. A mix with added compost or organic matter is great for supporting herb growth.
☀️ Light: Place herbs in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of bright, direct light daily. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, all-purpose fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-4 weeks during active growth. Most herbs don’t need heavy feeding.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep herbs in a room that stays between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations for steady growth.
1. Mason jars
You can easily transform Mason jars into stylish and functional planters for your indoor herb garden. They’re the perfect size for many herbs and add a rustic touch to your decor.
Start by choosing clear jars (or just grab some new Mason jars here) to let in lots of light and help you keep an eye on the soil moisture.
Add small rocks or pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Fill the jars with good-quality potting soil and plant your favorite herbs like basil, mint, or parsley.
(Or, if you’re not sure exactly which herbs you want to grow, take a look at our picks for the best herbs to grow indoors for some inspiration.)
Place the jars on a sunny windowsill to give your plants the light they need. Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging the roots. You’ll love watching your indoor herb garden thrive!
2. Smart herb garden
A smart herb garden is an innovative way to grow herbs indoors with minimal effort. It uses technology to automate watering, light, and nutrients, allowing you to grow herbs easily.
This smart indoor garden has incredible reviews for a reason. After all, you just need to set it up and let the system take care of the rest!
These gardens often come with built-in LED lights, perfect for providing the right amount of light to your herbs. They’re compact and can fit on a kitchen countertop or a small table.
Plus most models have space for a variety of herbs, so you can enjoy fresh produce year-round.
3. Vertical garden
A vertical garden can help you maximize space indoors. It allows you to grow herbs even in smaller areas. By hanging pots on a vertical structure, you can make use of walls.
You can create a vertical garden using shelves, ladders, or pocket planters. Alternatively, this indoor wall planter would be perfect to mount in a kitchen for some herbs.
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Choose a sunny spot where your herbs can get plenty of light. Consider using sturdy materials to ensure your structure is strong enough to hold several plants.
Make sure each pot has good drainage to protect your herbs from too much water (which, to be fair, is true whenever you start a herb garden).
Select herbs that thrive indoors, like basil, mint, or parsley. With proper care, your vertical garden will provide fresh herbs all year round.
4. Hanging planters
Hanging planters can maximize your space, especially if you’re limited on room. They make use of vertical space, allowing plants to catch more light. These are also great for adding greenery at different heights in your home.
You can choose from a variety of materials for your hanging planters, like clay, metal, or plastic. Position them near windows to give your herbs plenty of natural light. This method allows you to grow herbs without taking up countertop or shelf space.
Pick easy-to-grow herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano. Ensure you water the plants regularly and check the drainage. Hanging planters can become heavy, so make sure the hooks or supports are sturdy.
5. Magnetic tins
Magnetic tins are a fun way to grow herbs indoors. They’re convenient because you can stick them on your fridge or any magnetic surface. This keeps your herbs within easy reach whenever you’re cooking.
These tins are usually small, making them perfect for growing a few different kinds of herbs in limited space. Check out these metallic magnetic planters, for example, for a super sleek look.
Just fill the tins with some soil, plant your seeds or seedlings, and make sure they get enough light. It’s an easy project that adds some green to your kitchen.
These systems come in different forms, from simple setups like mason jars to more complex kits. They provide a controlled environment for your plants to thrive.
With minimal mess and easy maintenance, hydroponics is a smart choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
Want your own? The smart herb garden I recommended earlier in this article is, technically, a hydroponic system. But if you’re looking for something more high tech where your indoor herb garden can really flourish, this epic system will have your herbs thriving.
7. Teacups
Teacups are a charming way to start a small herb garden indoors. They often have just the right amount of space for herbs like mint or thyme. You’ll also find they add a decorative element to your home.
Pick cups with drainage holes or add some pebbles at the bottom to help with excess water. Arrange several teacups on a windowsill where they’ll get sunlight.
Regularly water your herbs, but make sure not to overdo it. Rotate the teacups every now and then to encourage even growth.
8. Old wine bottles
Old wine bottles can make unique and practical planters for your indoor herb garden. The narrow necks help support your plants, and you can easily see root growth through the glass.
Start by cutting the bottle to create an open top for planting. Next, fill the bottom part of the bottle with pebbles for drainage.
Add soil and plant your herb seedling carefully. Place the bottle where it gets plenty of sunlight to keep your herbs healthy and growing.
9. Pallet garden
A pallet garden is an easy and cost-effective way to grow herbs indoors. You can repurpose an old pallet to create vertical space for your plants. It’s perfect for small areas because it maximizes vertical space.
Begin by selecting a sturdy pallet and cleaning it thoroughly. Secure landscape fabric to the back and sides to hold the soil in place.
Fill the slats with potting soil and plant your favorite herbs. Keep the pallet garden in a well-lit area to ensure enough sunlight. Regularly water and trim the herbs to keep them healthy and thriving.
10. Install a new kitchen shelf
Adding a new kitchen shelf can enhance your indoor herb garden. It saves space and brings your herbs closer to where you cook. With a shelf, you can easily access fresh ingredients while cooking.
Choose a spot near a window to provide natural light for your plants. Make sure the shelf is sturdy enough to hold multiple small pots. Consider the height of the shelf for easy access and maintenance.
11. Chalkboard Pots
Chalkboard pots make labeling herbs simple and fun. Use chalkboard paint to cover the exterior of a pot, transforming any container into a writable surface.
Alternatively, use your existing pots or jars, like in the picture above, by adding these chalkboard labels to them. Want another option? Stick these wooden tags into your herbs’ soil for some rustic charm.
Whichever way you go, you can update names as you rotate plants or mark special care instructions. These pots can help you keep track of your plants, especially if you’re growing multiple types in a compact space.
They’re also perfect for personalizing gift plants for friends or family. Write messages or draw decorations on the pots for a personal touch.
12. Grow lights
Grow lights are essential for an indoor herb garden. They provide the light needed for plants to thrive, especially in areas with limited natural sunlight. You can find them in various styles and sizes to fit your space and herb needs.
LED grow lights are energy-efficient and effective. They’re an excellent choice for small indoor setups. Position them so that your herbs receive consistent light throughout the day.
Consider using a timer with your lights to ensure your herbs get the light they need without you having to remember to switch them on and off. This setup helps mimic natural light cycles.
When it comes to which ones to get, I recommend these grow lights for your indoor herb garden. They’re the perfect size for most herb pots with all the technology you need. Plus, their full spectrum light means your herbs will thrive.
13. Ladder
Using a ladder for your indoor herb garden is both practical and space-saving. Hang or place small pots of herbs on each step. This setup keeps your plants well-organized and easy to access.
Choose a sturdy ladder made of wood or metal. Ensure it fits in the designated space without blocking light. Regularly rotate the ladder, so each herb gets even exposure to sunlight.
Mix different herb varieties to add a splash of green to your space. Consider cascading herbs like thyme or trailing rosemary for a layered look.
14. Repurposed tin cans
Repurposed tin cans make great containers for an indoor herb garden. They’re affordable, easy to find, and help reduce waste. Plus, you can customize them with paint or other decorations.
To start, wash and dry your cans thoroughly, and make sure to remove any sharp edges. Drill a few small drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil.
Line the bottom with small pebbles before adding potting mix and your chosen herbs. Place them on a sunny windowsill or use grow lights for extra help.
15. Hanging Mason Jar Rack
A hanging mason jar rack is a fun and practical way to grow herbs indoors. It’s great for saving space and showing off your plants. You can easily hang the rack in your kitchen or another sunny spot.
To make this, attach mason jars to a wooden board with clamps. The jars provide an excellent environment for herbs as they allow sufficient light. Make sure to drill some drainage holes in the lids to prevent waterlogging.
You can customize the setup to fit your style. Paint the board or use decorative jars for a personal touch. This setup makes watering easy, and the jars are perfect for small plants.
16. Window box
Using a window box is a practical way to grow herbs indoors. It gives your plants access to natural light, which is crucial for their growth. You can place the box on any windowsill that gets enough sunlight during the day.
(And if you’re not handy enough to make this box yourself – and if so, same here – then this wooden box is a great, budget-friendly option.)
Make sure the window box has good drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Select herbs that thrive in your climatic conditions and environment. Parsley, basil, and chives are popular choices for many people when starting out.
Rotate the window box occasionally to ensure even light distribution. Regularly check the soil moisture to keep your herbs healthy and thriving.
17. Eggshell planters
Eggshells make great tiny vessels for starting your indoor herb garden. They’re biodegradable, so you can plant them directly in larger pots later. Plus, they add calcium to the soil as they break down.
To begin, gently crack eggs near the top and remove the contents. Rinse the shells and let them dry. When ready, fill them with potting soil and plant seeds of your choice.
Place the eggshells in a carton for support and keep them in a sunny spot. Water gently and thinly to avoid oversaturation. Once seedlings outgrow the shells, transplant them to larger containers.
18. Drawer Garden
Turn an old drawer into a charming herb garden. It’s a straightforward project that lets you recycle unused furniture and grow fresh herbs. Just line the drawer with a plastic sheet for waterproofing and drill in some drainage holes.
Fill the drawer with good-quality potting soil. Choose herbs that thrive in your indoor environment, like basil, mint, or thyme. Place the drawer by a bright window for optimal growth.
Adding a small handle or label can help you organize and identify your herbs easily. Enjoy the fresh aroma and flavor in your cooking by picking straight from your indoor garden.
19. Terrarium-style herb garden
Imagine growing herbs in a glass world. A terrarium-style herb garden offers just that. It transforms a simple space into a miniature garden paradise.
With glass containers, you create a self-sustaining environment. Herbs like mint and thyme thrive here. The closed or open container acts like a mini-greenhouse.
Choose a container with a wide opening for easy access and good airflow. Add a base layer of small stones for drainage. Cover them with charcoal before adding potting soil.
Consider small, low-growing herbs. Ensure they’re compatible with specific moisture and light conditions. Your glass container will highlight their vibrant growth.